Sodium Iodide I 131

Excerpt

Information in this record refers to the use of sodium iodide I 131 as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent. The use of I 131 is contraindicated during lactation. Breastfeeding should be discontinued permanently for this child after administration of sodium iodide I 131 in a dose of 0.01 MBq (0.004 mCi) or greater to a nursing mother.[1-8] Ceasing breastfeeding 4 to 8 weeks before receiving a therapeutic dose of sodium iodide I 131 is recommended to reduce the radiation dose to the breasts and the risk of milk leakage that can contaminate clothing with radioactive iodine.[9-12] The American Thyroid Association recommends using I 123 or Tc99m pertechnetate scans for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in nursing mothers.[1]

Parents should refrain from close contact with their infants after therapeutic iodine 131 administration. The exact duration depends on the dose administered, condition being treated, and source of the recommendation.[13,14] Recommended times range from 15 to 27 days after hyperthyroidism treatment, 16 to 24 days after ablation of thyroid cancer, and 4 to 5 days after follow-up therapy of thyroid ablation therapy.[14]

Nursing mothers should not work with substances containing I 131 in their workplace.[15]